'In the interests of mankind, I wanted to help mum and baby'

A kindhearted resident has offered to help out a young mother who believes her damp flat is affecting her baby's health.

Toni Redgrave, 25, of Gurnard Close, West Drayton, was featured in the Gazette last week after her doctor said her baby's breathing was unlikely to improve until her flat was sorted out.

Chris Plastow, from Bawtree Road, Uxbridge, read the article and decided he would like to give Ms Redgrave a free survey and help her sort out the flat's problems.

Mr Bawtree, a water-proofing specialist, said he was keen not to see anybody take advantage of Ms Redgrave's troublesome situation.

He said: "I see a lot of this. Going by what the doctor said it could be an insulation issue, and I'm worrying some dodgy salesman is going to go down there and they end up spending a fortune with no result.

"In the interests of mankind, I'll go down there and give them a full report on what needs doing and then they can make their minds up on what they might want to do, but at least they will know exactly what the problem is.

"I normally charge £100 for this, but I would just like to offer my expertise free of charge to this poor woman."

Ms Redgrave was overjoyed to learn of Mr Plastow's offer, especially as she has had little joy out of the landlord, Thames Valley Housing Association.

She said: "That is brilliant, I can't believe it.

"Nobody has been in touch with me despite the housing association's promises.